Cable curtain construction



June 5, 1951 w, EHRET 2,555,848

' CABLE CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Filed June 25, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Yale IVE/treat, BY

IN VEN TOR.

June 5, 1951 Y. w. EHRET CABLE CURTAIN CONSTRUCTION 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 23, 1947 rlllllluacr INVENTOR. Yale I'VE/1rd,

$4M WWW Patented June 5, 1951 2,555,848 CABLE GURTAIN CONSTRUCTION Xel Wt Ehrc E kh Ind d s ner o T A e e Qcmneny Chic o, I l-i a orp ra i n of n s Application June 23, 1947, Serial No. 756,572

Th e tion s cchcerh d with impr e m i in ca l c htrel e sh e or ur eih fi tures.

t s a Qhiect he n en io te Provi e a mpro d t r cur ai r had inst lietieh Par ul ly a ed r use. n a. r l a passen er ar er an aut mo ile us h re n h v urta n i mounted in a window frame having opposite side guide c an ls which recei e the n s f a pr n assem ecu ed on e h tte oi he cur a n nd w e e n he si on c he bettem c h cur in s diustahly cont olle b ge e ment of th pron w a heir of cable cch cable hav g on end e u d to the win w f e adjacent the top of one side guide channel and he o her e secu e to th frame ad a ent. the bo om cf he ehhesite ide uid h n el and a table ext n in frc n i s u p n Q P-r werdly lo e the e ieceht ide uid hannel h n hro h a lon itu ina rec ss o ided n. he a o d down a ch the o osi e ide ui e hannel t he t r end- M re rti ular y i s n hiec o the in h ticn o prc idc i a t in i stalla icn he type de ib d an impr ved cur a n apron. sse bly wh ch ro ides a m r t e m ine e ect hi oe n t e uire end se thre d ng c the cables, which is o ided wi h m ans fe nr nt n end e mo em nt f t e urt in, wh ch. is so constructed that the curtain may be cut rai ht a h end r a t chm nt t he apr n and which is equinpcd ith ah i attle ean to eliminate noise in operation.

It s. a furt er b ect of th i vention tc ee in a cu n, ih l ticn cf t e typ e-- rib d a c rtai ro a s mbly w ch is rea i ly nd n mi al manufac u ed rom ex ded. metal sections, which is adapted to be quiclrly assembled for initial installation and disassemw bled for subsequent repair or replacement of parts and which is provided with hard metal bearing surfaces for engagement with the cables at the ends to eliminate undue wear on the ends of the apron.

These nd ot e ob cts of he inven ion will be a paren rom a d c i tio if h form of curtain installation which is illustrated, by Way of example, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

F 1 s n ele a ion of a c r ain i s all o hich ihcc pcr te e Pri ci l s of t iIlVQllr tion;

ig- 2 s a se ion n an enlar ed s al ta n o the line 22 or Fig. 1;

g 3 is a sectich ch enlarged. sca e aken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

. 9 Q aimst (o1. m l- 1 Fig. 4 is a detail oi one end oi the curtain apron ss mb i h cr hs br ken awa Fig. .5 is a perspective view of one end of the curtain apron assembly;

6 is an exploded perspective view of the end of the curtain apron assembly;

Fig. 7 is a detail View or a bottom corner of the window frame showing the bettom cable nchor; an

Fig. 8 is another detail view of the bottom cable anch The form of the curtain er shade installation which is shown in the drawings comprises a curtain I 0 installed in a window frame Il which is se ured in an aperture in the wall 12 of a railway c eh eu ihe l b The window frame ll comprises a bottom sill I3, a top header l4 and side frame members l5 which include oppositely disposed guide channels 16. The window frame ll supports a con-' ventional sash unit (not shown) on its outer side. The curtain I0 is arranged to be raised and lowered adjacent the inner side of the sash.

The curtain in is attached to a, roller M (Fig. 2) which is mounted on conventional brackets (not shown) arranged in the ends of the header M. The bottom end [8 of the curtain in supports a transversely arranged apron assembly l9 having its ends projecting into t e oppositel dis. posed channels [6 and receiving a pair of cables 20 and 2|.

Ea o th e 2 and. i a hed at s p er e t oppos t si guide ha ne s i and each c e nds tiewhwardly cl ne its iae ent si uide channel to t e a ron I9, the

through the apron l9 and down along the oppoe i e si e guide ch nn heme atta hed at t cm c th channel.- With th a ran ement e bottom end it! of curtain I0 is adjusted in raised or lowered position by frictional engagement of he cabl s 20 nd 2 with t e urtain ap on l A ten ehd anch r late 22 (Fi 2) is p d or each. cab hic consist of a l t portion 23 having an elongated aperture 24 for receiving it sc ew 25 c ecu e it in ad ust relation o the base 26 of the channel I 6 and a cable attaching portion v2! to which the upper end of the cable is secured by clinching or the like.

A bottom end anchor plate 28 is provided for 5 ach cable (Fi s 2 and w ch n ud s t ral- 1y extending ste m mbers 29 f mit whward movement or the curtain apron assembly I S. The stop members 29 may be conveniently formed n. the ten ehti f plate .28 by lc ins h nd of the plate and bending the lug members 29 out 3 wardly so that they extend laterally on each side of the cable and into the path of movement of the assembly I9. The plate member 28 is secured to the channel base 26 by an attaching screw 39 and a slot 3| is provided in its lower edge for receiving the end of the cable. A member 32 is secured on the end of the cable by means of which the cable is anchored in the slot 31. The base 26 of the channel member I6 is recessed at 33 to receive the plate member 28. With this construction the apron assembly I9 may be lowered until its ends engage the stop members 29.

The curtain apron assembly I 9 comprises complementary or mating inner and outer members 34 and 35, respectively, which are preferably formed from extruded aluminum sections. Apron member 34 which forms the inner portion of the assembly-includes a relatively wide plate-like web portion 36, provided on its top edge with a thickened section 31 having a cut back or curved lower inner face 38 which forms one portion of a slot or recess adjacent the top of the apron assem-- bly I9 for'receiving the end I8 of the curtain In in clamping engagement. Apron member 34 is also provided with inwardly directed, longitudinally extending, spaced rib-like formations 39, 49, 4| and 42 intermediate its top and bottom edges, for purposes which will be described.

The apron member 35 which forms the inner portion of the apron assembly I9 includes arelatively wide plate-like web portion 43, provided at its top; edge with a thickened section 44 in which there is formed a longitudinally extending curved recess 45. The lower portion of the thick ened section 44 constitutes an inward-ly extending rib-like formation 46 which engages the plate portion 36 of the apron member 34 immediately below the curved face'38 on the thickened section 31 of member 34, when apron members 34 and 35 are in assembled relation. The curved surfaces 38 and 45 cooperate to form a tubular recess extending the full length of the apron assembly which receives in clamping relation the end I8 of the curtain II]. The end I8 of the curtain I9 is folded back and secured over a wire rod 41 or other stiffening member, forming a beaded edge for clamping engagement in the recess.

The apron member 35 is provided with inward- 1y extending relatively wide rib-like formations 48 and 49. Rib 48 is spaced from rib 46 form- 7 or recess which'is adapted to receive the cables 29 and 2 I. The apron member 35 is provided with an inwardly extending bottom flange 52 which is adapted to cooperate with the bottom edge 53 of theapron member 34 to form a flat bottom edge or face on the assembly I9. The bottom flange 52 is spaced from rib 49forming a longitudinal channel-like recess which accommodates ribs 4I and 42 of the apron member 34. The ribs and 42 and a portion of the web 43 cooperate to form a longitudinal recess 54 adjacent the bottom of the apron assembly I9 which is the same cross section asthe reces,s 50 adjacent the top of the assembly.

34 extend into the recess 5I formed between the rib formations 48 and 49 ,on the apron mem- 4 55, 56 and 51, 58, respectively, which are adapted to receive clips 59. The clips 59 are formed of a relatively hard, wear-resistant metal, such as stainless steel. Each clip 59 comprises a bent over or curved end 66,'relatively straight portion 6I extending from the curved end 69, a laterally offset portion 62 which is connected to the straight portion 6I byshoulder forming portion 63 and to a' straight terminal end portion 64 by a shoulder forming portion 65. The curved end 69 of each clip 59 is provided with a groove 56 for receiving and guiding the cable. The rib formations 39 and 49 are cut away at the ends at 6! and 68, respectively, to accommodate the curved ends 69 of the clips 59. The clips 59 are positioned on the rib members 39 and 49 with shoulders 63 and -.65 in the laterally aligned slots 55, 51' and 56, 58.

V 70 Rib formations 39 and 49 on the apron member ber 35. Adjacent their-ends the ribs 39 and 4'1 The curved ends 69 of the clips 59 extend in opp'osite directions and the offset portion 62 of each clip 59 is positioned onthe outer side of the respective rib. The straight portions 6I and 64 of clips 59 are positioned on the inside of the ribs 39 and 40 and protect the ends of ribs 39 and 40 from excessive wear due to engagement with cable members 29 and 2I. The clips 59 are readily assembled with the-apron members and firm- 1y retained-in position in the channel or recess 5|.

Apron member 34 is cut away at 69 and at III, at the top and bottom, at the end of the member. Apron section 35 is cut away in a similar manner at II at the top and at I2 at the bottom; The recesses formed by the cut-outs at the top and bottom of the end of the apron assembly I9 whenthe members 34 and 35 are in assembled relation are adapted toreceive anti-rattle members' I3 which are preferably formed of molded rubber. Each anti-rattle member I3 comprises a relatively fiat head portion I4 and a stem por tion 15 which extends rearwardly therefrom. The

anti-rattle members '13 are secured on the apronby inserting the stem portions 15 in the ends of the recesses 59 and 54 formed adjacent the top and bottom of the apron. The head portions I4 of the anti-rattle member I3 extend beyond the outer lateral faces of the apron assembly I9 and prevent metal to metal engagement of members 3'4 and 35 with-the'side guide channels I6. The head portions 14 are sufiiciently thick to extend beyond the ends of the apron assembly I9 approximately on a line with the ends of the clip members 59 so that they separate the ends of the apron assembly I 9 from the base 26 ofthe channel I6, allowing only suflicient room for the movement of the cables 29 and 2 I. In this manspaced along the "length thereof Whichextend through holes provided in the Web portion 36' of member 34 and engage in threaded engagement in mating holes provided in rib formatiOns IB and 49 of member ,35. y While the invention has been disclosed as particularly. adapted for use in railway passenger cars or buses, it will be understood that its application is not limited to such installations. It maybe employed Wherever a retractable-curtain or shade is used to cover an opening and it is desired to be able to readily raise and'lower the.- bottom of the curtain .or .shade. The details of construction which are shown and the materials. referred to are, intended as examples only. Other det l Q Wests-un on nd 93 9 m e ia m spirit of the invention.

movable end of a cable controlled shade, complementary readily separable plate-like front and back members having inwardly directed spacer members. providing a passageway between said front and back members when they are inassembled relation, said. passageway accommodatingthe controlling cables for said shade, and end guide members having. hard metal end: bearing surfaces, said guide members: being secured to said spacer members adjacent the ends of said passageway for engagement by said cables as said cables emerge from said passageway, said cables passing around and by said guide members in opposite vertical directions.

2. In a shade fixture adapted for association with the end of a shade, complementary separable plate-like members having spaced inwardly directed longitudinal rib members forming internal passageways between said plate members when they are positioned in assembled relation, one of said passageways accommodating the cables for said shade and hard metal guide members secured in the ends of said passageway having curved ends with which the cables engage as they emerge from the fixture,

3. In a shade fixture adapted for association with the end of a shade, complementary separable plate-like members having spaced inwardly directed longitudinal rib members formin internal passageways between said plate members when they are positioned in assembled relation, one of said passageways accommodating the cables for said shade, and hard metal guide members secured on the ends of said rib members forming said passageway, said guide members having curved ends with which the cables engage as they emerge from the fixture.

4. In a fixture adapted for association with the movable end of a cable controlled shade, complementary plate members secured together in spaced relation, said plate members having longitudinal rib formations which define a passageway between said plates for receiving the cables for said shade, said rib formations being cut away at their ends and having a pair of aligned transverse slots spaced from said ends, hard metal guide members for said cables, each having a curved end and a relatively straight end, said guide members each having portions on said straight end interengageable with said transverse slots to detachably secure the same to the ends of said rib formations, the curved ends of said guides providing curved bearing surfaces for said cables as they emerge from said fixture.

5. In a fixture adapted for association with the movable end of a cable controlled shade, complementary plate members adapted to be secured together in spaced relation, said plate members having longitudinal rib formations which define passageways between said plates, one of said passageways receiving the cables for said shade, said rib formations being cut away at the ends of said passageway and provided with a pair of aligned transverse slots spaced from said ends, hard metal guide members for said cables, each having a curved end and a relatively straight end, said guides each having portions on said straight end interengageable with said transverse slots to detachably secure the same to the ends of said rib formations, the curved ends of said guides providing curved bearing surfaces for said cables as. they. emerge from said fixture and another of said: passageways adjacent the top. of said plate members. receiving an end: of said shade. in clamping engagement.

6. In a cable controlled shade construction, a bead formation on themovable end of theshade, a fixture comprising complementary front andback members havin inwardly directed rib-like members providing a plurality of passageways between said front and back members when they are in assembled relation, the uppermost one of said passageways: receiving said bead formation to clamp said fixture to said curtain, another one of said passageways accommodating the controlling cables for said shade, and end guide members: positioned adjacent the ends of said passageway for engagement by said cables as they emerge from said passageway and pass in opposite vertical directions, each of said guide members having a hard metal end bearing surface.

7. In a shade fixture adapted for association with the movable end of a cable controlled shade, complementary members having inwardly directed longitudinally extending means defining a plurality of longitudinally directed recesses in said fixture when said members are in assembled relation, the top one of said recesses being adapted to engage in clamping relation the end of the shade and an intermediate one of said recesses accommodating the controlling cables for said shade, and rubber-like anti-rattle members having portions received in the ends of other longitudinal recesses in said fixture.

8. In a shade fixture adapted for association with the movable end of a cable controlled shade, complementary members having inwardly directed longitudinally extending members definin a plurality of longitudinally directed vertically aligned recesses in said fixture when said members are in assembled relation, the uppermost one of said recesses being provided to engage in clamping relation the end of the shade and an intermediate one of said recesses being provided to accommodate the controlling cables for said curtain, and rubber-like anti-rattle members having head portions and stem portions, said members being cut away at the top and bottom of the ends thereof to accommodate the head. portions of said anti-rattle members, the stem portions of said anti-rattle members being received in the ends of an upper longitudinal recess and a lowermost longitudinal recess in said fixture, respectively.

9. In a window construction of the type having a roller mounted shade with a cable engaging fixture on an end thereof which fixture extends transversely between the side guide channels and a pair of cables each of which is secured at its upper end in the upper portion of a side guide channel and at its lower end in a recess in the lower portion of the opposite side guide channel, a combination fixture stop and cable end anchorin means comprising an anchor plate secured in one of said recesses provided in the lower portion of the guide channel, stop members for said fixture extending laterally from said anchor plate, said anchor plate being provided with a slot adjacent its lower end for receiving the cable, and an abutment member on the end of the cable to anchor the same in said slot.

10. In a window shade construction for installation in a window frame having side guide channels, said shade construction being of the type having a roller mounted shade with a cable engaging fixture on the end thereof and a pair of cables each of which is secured at its upper end in the upper portion of a side guide channel and at its lower end in the lower portion of the opposite side guide channel, said guide channels being provided with a recess adjacent the lower end, means for anchoring the lower end of each cable comprising an angle plate having one leg secured in the recess adjacent the bottom end of the guide channel and the other leg thereof extending inwardly of the window frame, said angle plate being provided with an inwardly directed! slot in the lower end of the leg which is positioned in said recess for receiving the cable, and an abutment member on the end of the cable to anchor the same in said slot.

YALE W. EHRET.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 322,707 Graves July 21, 1885 510,590 Dreyfus Dec. 12, 1893 564,682 Burrowes July 28, 1896 583,365 Forsyth May 25, 1897 751,093 Munro Feb. 2, 1904 2,314,461 7 Schaefer Mar. 24, 1943 

